Predator Shafts Pro's & Cons

[Bamacues]

I like them...

I have been playing with one of the very early Predator shafts for years, and I finally decided to move to the 314-2. I like it a lot. Seems to be less deflection than the earlier shafts, and I like the slighter fatter feel/taper of the shaft over my old one. I also tried the Z shaft for a while, but it was not for me. I just put too much spin on the balls with the Z. Maybe I could have adjusted, but I don't have the patience. The move to the 314-2 was a good decision, I think. Control of the cue seems better.
Joe

 

[Bamacues]

Question for Mr. Varney...

Some have had issues with the new ferrule coming off is the only negative I've noticed.

Kevin,
Is the issue of the ferrules coming off a glue issue, or bad ferrules? What have you had to do (outside of your Saber-T remedy) to correct the issue for other customers who experience this problem?
Joe

 

[Varney Cues]

Kevin,
Is the issue of the ferrules coming off a glue issue, or bad ferrules? What have you had to do (outside of your Saber-T remedy) to correct the issue for other customers who experience this problem?
Joe

The cheapest route is to send the shaft back to Predator and get the ferrule replaced for free. The upgrade to a premium ferrule will set you back $30, plus tip & shipping.

 

[Varney Cues]

Kevin, do you have an opinion or perspective concerning the playability of 314-2 & Z2 shafts? I am considering getting a Z-2 or a 314-2 and would appreciate your input.
Thanks,
JoeyA

The easiest way to explain this is exactly what one of the top WPBA pros told me. She tried switching to the Z after using a 314 for years. She tried & tried but gave up and returned to the 314. She complained that the smaller Z tip was less forgiving on a slight off hit, causing her to miss some balls. It was much easier to control the cueball, and pocket balls with the 314.

 

[JoeyA]

The easiest way to explain this is exactly what one of the top WPBA pros told me. She tried switching to the Z after using a 314 for years. She tried & tried but gave up and returned to the 314. She complained that the smaller Z tip was less forgiving on a slight off hit, causing her to miss some balls. It was much easier to control the cueball, and pocket balls with the 314.

Ya gotta love those WPBA pros.
Thanks for the info.
JoeyA

 

[incidentslip]

I agree with Kevin on the Z comparison, I personally find that the 314 plays great on the slow cloth bar tables with the oversized CB's. My Z2 is better on the bigger tables with the matched set, and fast cloth, less stroke, more spin. I find that the Z2 works better with a softer stroke. I find that the Z's play too much like a snooker cue. Are the 314'2's that much better than the old ones? I changed my tip to a Sniper on my old 314, I found that it produced way more spin, and control, but kinda lacked the "pop" & feel of a solid shaft. I found that the hit wasn't very lively. I still play mine all the time, it is my main cue but I am looking for something that plays more like a good solid maple shaft.